Geostatistical cross-association method used for the lithostratigraphic correlation of coal-measure profiles

The case study from the Early Permian coal-bearing Barakar Formation in the East Bokaro sub-basin of Jharkhand, India demonstrates that the non-parametric geostatistical method of cross-association can give a reliable lithostratigraphic correlation of borehole or outcrop profiles, at a confidence level of at least 95%. The inclusion of lithofacies details in the stratigraphic criteria does not necessarily enhance the correlation and may actually render it less reliable, because the main lithological units vary internally on a local scale and their lateral variability is virtually irrelevant to basin-scale correlation.

► The Early Permian Gondwana coal measures are the focus of this study. ► Cross association statistics is power full tool for correlation. ► The manuscript contains important data on quantitative stratigraphic correlation. ► The results are quite useful in mining and exploration of coal beds.